Author: Andrew Rogers

China’s top diplomat has sharply condemned a record U.S. arms sale to Taiwan as Beijing continues military drills around the self-ruled island. Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at an end-of-year diplomatic event in Beijing, criticized both the “pro-independence forces in Taiwan” and Japan’s leaders. He said, “In response to continuous provocations by pro-independence forces in Taiwan and large-scale U.S. arms sales, we must resolutely oppose and strongly counter them.” Wang reaffirmed China’s goal of “complete reunification” with Taiwan, which split from China during the 1949 civil war and has since evolved into a multiparty democracy. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims,…

Bangladesh is in mourning as former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia passed away early this morning. She died shortly after the Fajr prayer, confirmed by her personal medical team, including Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. The news was confirmed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and senior party advisors, including Dr. Mohammad Yunus. Khaleda Zia’s body remains at Evercare Hospital, where preparations for public and official tributes are underway. In response to her passing, the government has declared three days of national mourning, with a one-day public holiday tomorrow. The BNP has also announced a seven-day mourning…

Elon Musk, the world-renowned technology entrepreneur and billionaire, is reportedly shifting his focus from atheism to exploring religion and spirituality. Known for his groundbreaking work in space, robotics, and artificial intelligence, Musk has long identified as a science-based rationalist. However, recent statements suggest a notable change in his worldview. In a recent podcast, Musk expressed belief that the universe was created for a reason and that a divine entity is behind its existence. He stated, “I believe the universe has come into being through something, and that God is the creator.” According to experts, Musk’s statement reflects not just personal…

Iran is reportedly enhancing its military capabilities by developing chemical and biological warheads for its long-range ballistic missiles. The move comes amid heightened tensions with Israel and Western nations. According to sources cited by Iran International, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is actively preparing these advanced warheads. The development is part of a broader effort to strengthen Iran’s missile arsenal and strategic deterrence. The IRGC has also begun relocating missile launch systems to eastern regions of the country. These sites are undergoing upgrades to command and control systems, reflecting a modernization drive for Iran’s strategic missile program. Western…

Hunan province is seeing rapid growth in its forest-based non-timber industry, turning local bamboo and medicinal herb resources into a major economic driver. The sector has created jobs, increased incomes, and transformed rural livelihoods. Yang Peiru’s bamboo shoots processing company in Huitong County exemplifies this trend. His factory processes 10,000 metric tons of preserved bamboo shoots each year. With a 60-strong team, demand often exceeds production capacity, requiring temporary workers for peak periods. Local government policies have played a key role in supporting this growth. Since last year, ten new bamboo shoot processing companies have been established in Huitong. Authorities…

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co has announced a new framework agreement for crude oil storage, setting an annual cap of RMB114 million, including VAT. The agreement involves the company’s Baishawan Branch and Sinopec Reserve, and takes effect on December 29, 2025. The storage cap is based on historical transaction costs and a competitive pricing process. At least two independent third-party storage providers in nearby regions were consulted to ensure the unit price of RMB10 per cubic meter per month aligns with current market rates. The agreement covers roughly 950,000 cubic meters of crude oil storage per month for an expected period…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago to discuss a revised 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Zelensky temporarily left missile-battered Kyiv for the talks, seeking Trump’s approval on the plan. After more than three hours of discussion, neither leader announced a breakthrough. Both emphasized that the peace process is complex and will take additional time. Trump, who spoke by phone earlier with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed a relatively sympathetic view toward Moscow’s positions but remained hopeful that progress is near. “I do think we’re getting a lot…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism after the resurfacing of controversial social media posts by British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah. The backlash comes days after Starmer welcomed Abdel Fattah’s return to the UK following years of diplomatic efforts to secure his release from Egypt. Abdel Fattah returned to Britain after Egypt lifted its travel ban, marking the end of a prolonged detention. However, old posts from 2010 emerged showing the activist calling for violence against Zionists and law enforcement. The content has been widely condemned, with opposition Conservatives demanding he be stripped of his UK citizenship and…

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday visited Cheong Wa Dae, the country’s traditional presidential palace, for the first time since taking office in June. This marks a return to the Blue House more than three years after former President Yoon Suk Yeol moved the presidential office to the Defense Ministry compound. Lee assumed office following a snap election in June after Yoon was removed over a brief declaration of martial law in December 2024. Since then, Lee has overseen the relocation of the presidential office back to Cheong Wa Dae, aiming to reverse the legacy of his jailed…

In a dramatic escalation at sea, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized a foreign vessel carrying four million liters of oil, detaining 16 foreign sailors. The move comes days after the United States intercepted an Iranian oil tanker near Venezuela, signaling Tehran’s firm stance against what it calls American maritime aggression. The operation unfolded on December 24 in the Persian Gulf, where a large oil tanker was observed moving suspiciously without clear identification or a set route. As soon as the ship appeared on Iranian radar, the IRGC launched speedboats at high speed to surround the vessel. Despite attempts…